In Approval

Going “all-in” in No Limit Hold ‘Em is a classic battle tactic used to frighten opponents when playing poker online. The Art of War offers some sage advice about executing and reacting to an all-in bet when playing at the casino.

“To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” This is the ultimate goal of the all-in bet. It is best used in situation where you don’t want other players to call. It is a show of strength intended to make your opponents lay down their weapons rather than engage in battle.

When you are up against an all-in bet playing poker online, or even a just a large one from a big stack, then consider this advice: “Good experienced fighters of put themselves beyond the possibility of defeat, then wait for an opportunity to defeat the enemy.” In other words, fold when you don’t have the nuts. Put yourself out of harm’s way, and look for a better spot to risk your chips.

The Art of War has other good advice about taking into account your opponents’ weapons – the chips in poker — when a big bet is made: “When equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we flee from him.” In other words, don’t put your chips at risk when a big stack is calling behind you unless you have the absolute nuts.